Explore the Berkshires

Lodging at the Berkshires

MUSEUMS

THE CLARK ART

225 South StreetWilliamstown, MA 01267

PH: 413- 458-2303

The Clark Art Institute has a rich, colorful history beginning with founder Sterling Clark’s expedition to China in 1908, his introduction to the world of collecting art in Paris in 1910, and his marriage to Francine Clary in 1919. Together, Sterling and Francine began what is now a world-renowned collection of American and European art, including prints and drawings, sculpture, decorative arts, and paintings—most notably French Impressionist masterworks by artists such as Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Edgar Degas, Édouard Manet, Claude Monet, Berthe Morisot, and Camille Pissarro. They also committed to the pivotal concept of serving as not only an art museum, but also a research and academic center. The Clark’s Research and Academic Program is now considered one of the finest of its kind, awarding prestigious fellowships to established art historians and boasting a library of more than 150,000 volumes.

WILLIAMS COLLEGE MUSEUM OF ART

15 Lawrence Hall Drive, Ste 2

Williamstown, MA 01267

PH: 413- 597-2429

The Williams College Museum of Art is located on the campus of Williams, a liberal arts college, in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts.

An active, collecting museum, we feature a broad range of exhibitions that challenge assumptions about art, history, and the world in which we live. We look forward to welcoming you to our museum. All of our exhibitions and programs are free and open to all.

MASS MOCA

1040 MASS MoCA WAY

NORTH ADAMS, MA 01247

PH: 413-MoCA-111 (413-662-2111)

Since opening in 1999, MASS MoCA has become one of the world's premier centers for making and showing the best art of our time. With annual attendance of 120,000, it ranks among the most visited institutions in the United States dedicated to new art. More than 80 major new works of art and more than 50 performances have been created through fabrication and rehearsal residencies in North Adams, making MASS MoCA perhaps the most fertile site in the country for new art. The museum thrives on making and presenting work that is fresh, surprising, and challenging.

HANCOCK SHAKER VILLAGE

1843 W. Housatonic St.

Pittsfield, MA

PH: 413-443-0188

The Shakers are one of the most intriguing religious movements in American history, and considered among the most successful utopian societies ever to have flourished in this country. A religious order whose members believe in pacifism, celibacy, and communal living, Shaker religious expression took the form of singing and ecstatic dance, which is why they were called the “Shaking Quakers,” or “Shakers.” There are currently no Shakers living at Hancock, although members continue to live at other Shaker communities.

Today, the 750-acre Hancock Shaker Village operates as a living-history museum open to the public with 20 authentic Shaker buildings, costumed interpreters, rich collections of Shaker furniture and artifacts in rotating exhibits, a full schedule of activities and workshops, a mile-long hiking trail and picnic areas, a Village Store and Village Cafe, and a working farm with extensive gardens and heritage-breed livestock.

BERKSHIRE MUSEUM

39 South Street (Route 7)Pittsfield, MA 01201

PH: 413-443-7171

In 1903, Berkshire Museum founder Zenas Crane, inspired by such institutions as the American Museum for Natural Science, the Smithsonian, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, decided to blend the best attributes of these establishments in a new museum for the people of Western Massachusetts. Thanks in large part to Crane’s efforts, the broad and varied collections of Berkshire Museum include objects from virtually every continent, from important fine art and sculpture to natural science specimens and ancient artifacts.

Berkshire Museum has exhibited works by some of the most accomplished artists from the United States and abroad: Gilbert Stuart, Rembrandt Peale, John Singleton Copley, Thomas Sully, Paul Cézanne, Pierre Auguste Renoir, and John Singer Sargent. In the 1930s, the Berkshire Museum was the first to commission two site-specific mobiles (then a unique form of art) from Alexander Calder, who became one of the most significant artists in the 20th century. The mobiles can be seen in the theater, on either side of the proscenium. In the 1950s, the Berkshire Museum was the first to display the work of Norman Rockwell as well as pieces by artists that challenged convention, such as Andy Warhol, Red Grooms, Robert Rauschenberg, Ellsworth Kelly, and Nancy Graves.

THE MOUNT

2 Plunkett Street

Lenox, Massachusetts 01240-0974

PH: 413-551-5111

The Mount is both an historic site and center for cultrure inspired by passions and achievements of Edith Wharton. Designed and built by Wharton in 1902, the property includes Wharton’s gracious main house and expansive terrace; the historic stable, greenhouse, and gatehouse; and three acres of formal gardens surrounded by extensive woodlands. The Mount is the only monument to Edith Wharton in the United States, and one of just five percent of National Historic Landmarks dedicated to women.

NORMAN ROCKWELL MUSEUM

9 Route 183

Stockbridge , MA01262

PH: 413-298-4100

Norman Rockwell Museum houses the world’s largest and most significant collection of original Rockwell art. Highlights include enduring favorites from Rockwell’s Saturday Evening Post covers, the powerful Four Freedoms, and the nostalgic Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas. The Norman Rockwell Archive contains more than 100,000 photographs, letters, and other rare mementos.

A visit to the Museum is an uplifting experience. Founded in 1969 with the help of Norman and Molly Rockwell, the Museum is dedicated to the enjoyment and study of the work of America’s favorite artist. The Museum’s changing Norman Rockwell exhibitions present an illustrated chronicle of American life and showcase our nation’s ideals of kindness, tolerance, democracy, and freedom, as interpreted through the artist’s spirit, wisdom, and gentle humor.

BENNINGTON MUSEUM

75 Main Street

Bennington, VT 05201-2885

PH: 802- 447-1571

The Bennington Museum was founded as the Bennington Historical Association in 1852 to celebrate Bennington's Colonial past and, more specifically, to commemorate the historic Revolutionary War Battle of Bennington in 1777. Over the years our mission has expanded to preserve and interpret the rich heritage of southern Vermont and neighboring regions as well as providing a venue for visual and performing arts that enriches our community and our world.

Over time the museum acquired paintings and sculpture by Vermont artists, children's toys, maps, books, and military artifacts. We are proud of our extensive collection including vintage portraits of early settlers by Ammi Phillips; our unique Ralph Earl townscape; a Windsor writing-arm chair owned by Ira Allen, a founder of Vermont and author of the State's constitution; and the world's largest collection of Bennington pottery.

COLLEGES & SCHOOLS

Williams College

880 Main Street Williamstown, MA 01267

PH: 413-597-3131

Williams College is a private liberal arts college located in Williamstown, Massachusetts, United States. It was established in 1793 with funds from the estate of Ephraim Williams. Originally a men's college, Williams became co-educational in 1970. Fraternities were also phased out during this period, beginning in 1962. Williams forms part of the historic Little Three colleges, along with rivals Wesleyan University and Amherst College.

There are three academic curricular divisions (humanities, sciences and social sciences), 24 departments, 33 majors, and two master's degree programs in art history and development economics. There are 334 voting faculty members, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 7:1. As of 2012, the school has an enrollment of 2,052 undergraduate students and 54 graduate students.

The academic year follows a 4–1–4 schedule of two four-course semesters plus a one-course "winter study" term in January. A summer research schedule involves about 200 students on campus completing projects with professors.

Williams College currently occupies 1st place in U.S. News & World Report's 2014 ranking of the 266 liberal arts colleges in the United States. Forbes Magazine ranked Williams the 9th best college in the United States in its 2013 publication of America's Top Colleges.

Buxton School

291 South St, Williamstown, MA 01267

PH: 413- 458-3919

Buxton School is a private, coeducational, college preparatory, and boarding and day school for grades 9–12 located in Williamstown, Massachusetts, USA. The school was founded by Ellen Geer Sangster in 1928 as a coeducational country day school in Short Hills, New Jersey. In 1947, the high school was moved to Sangster's family estate in Williamstown, and formed anew as a boarding school. The primary and middle school stayed in Short Hills as the newly formed Far Brook School. Buxton occupies 150 acres of New England meadow and forest in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts. Buxton is known for its commitment to education that is experimental and experiential. In 2013, Peter S. Smith was appointed Director.

Mass college of liberal arts (MCLA)

375 Church St, North Adams, MA 01247

PH: (413) 662-5000

The Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) is a public, residential, liberal arts college that offers both undergraduate and graduate programs. Located in North Adams, Massachusetts, it is part of the state university system of Massachusetts. It is a member of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges. Originally established as part of the state's normal school system for training teachers, it now offers a wide variety of programs leading to Bachelor of Scienceand Arts degrees, as well as a Master of Education track.

Bennington College

1 College Dr, Bennington, VT 05201

PH: 802-442-5401

Bennington College is a private, nonsectarianliberal arts college located in Bennington, Vermont, USA. The college was founded in 1932 as a women's college and became co-educational in 1969. It is accredited with the New England Association of Schools & Colleges (NEASC).

LOCAL EVENTS CALENDAR

Gala Gift Cards

Gala Steakhouse & Bistro gift cards make great gifts for someone special for the Holidays. Stop in on Black Friday and purchase a $50 gift card and receive a $15 gift card for youself! Valid only on Black Friday!

Book Your Holiday Party!

The holidays are right around the corner and we are already booking events. We can fit large and small groups, dinners in our dining room or cocktail events. Contact us today to book the best dates before they are already taken!

SUNDAY BRUNCH

The word is out and you simply must experience our Sunday brunch. Our affordable menu has something for everyone! Every Sunday 11:00AM - 2:30PM.Reservations are recommended. Join Us!

Thanksgiving Dinner

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 27

Join us for Thanksgiving dinner! Our Menu boasts classic Thanksgiving dishes with some of chef's special items that makes this dinner so memorable. Reservations required and we are serving from 11AM-5PM.

31st Annual Holiday Walk

December 6, 2014

The 31st Annual Holiday Walk will kick-off at 3pm with the Reindog Parade! Visit Spring Street for the parade and all that comes with celebrating the season! Music, Santa Claus, holiday cookie bake-off, horse-drawn carriage rides and ice sculptures! Santa will light the tree for us at 5:30pm

Festival of Trees

November 14 - January 4

GO WILD AT BERKSHIRE MUSEUM’S FESTIVAL OF TREES 2014. This year’sFestival of Trees On Safari invites you to join us on a wildlife expedition through the galleries! We are pleased that this year, Festival of Trees will run concurrently with an exciting exhibition – Lions & Tigers & Bears: Through the Lens with National Geographic.

Brunch with Santa!

When kids bring an unwrapped toy, their brunch is free. All unwrapped gifts will be donated to Toys for Tots. Call today for more information 413.458.9611

Christmas Dinner

December 25, 2014

Christmas Dinner is one of those wonderful events where you can enjoy family and friends. We are serving a 3 course meal from 2-7PM for $48. Make you reservation today 413-458-9611.

NEW YEAR’S EVE

December 31, 2014

Come celebrate New Years Eve with dinner at Gala! Our Chef has created a wine pairing 8 course dinner. Serving 6-8PM. $120 per person. Gala's dinner menu will be available. Make your reservation today (413) 458-9611, we will be serving dinner until Midnight!

Happy New Year!

January 1, 2015

New Year's Day celebration at Gala includes New Years Brunch that we will be serving from 11AM-2:30PM! We are open for regualr dinner service and will close our kitchen at 9PM! Make your reservation today (413 458-9611!

Bay State Games

February 20 - 22, 2015

The Bay State Winter Games will celebrate their very special 30th anniversary in 2015. Approximately 1,000 athletes compete in the sports of figure skating, alpine skiing, and masters ice hockey. We are also pleased to announce that Bowling will be added to the Winter Games as our first non-winter sport. Participants in the Winter Games represent over 200 Massachusetts communities, and range in age from 8 – 70. The Figure Skating competition will be held February 20-22, 2015 at the Williams College Skating Rink in Williamstown, MA. The popular Bay State Skate Figure Skating competition will be held on Satruday, February 21 at the Williams College Skating Rink. Bowling will be held February 21 & 22 at Greylock Bowl & Golf in North Adams. Specific dates & locations for Alpine Skiing and Masters Hockey will be confirmed soon.

Golf

Waubeeka Golf Links

137 New Ashford Road, Williamstown, MA 01267 (413) 458-5869

Waubeeka Golf Links is an 18-hole championship golf course located in beautiful Williamstown, MA. The course, driving range, practice green and pub & grill are open to the public. At Waubeeka Golf Links, golfers enjoy pristine golf course conditions and spectacular views of the surrounding mountains including Mount Greylock, the highest peak in Massachusetts. Our course is challenging for players of all ability levels.

Donnybrook Country Club

775 Williamstown Rd, Lanesborough, MA 01237 (413) 499-PUTT

Donnybrook Country Club, which opened in 2008 and is the county’s newest course, offers everything a golfer could ask for in a nine-hole layout. We’re talking country club-like conditioning, challenging holes on beautiful rolling terrain and scenic views to match any in the area.